WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsLive Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 21544% more annual revenue ($113.93B vs $526.38M). BAC leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 26.5%. BAC trades at a lower P/E of 13.0x. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

BAC

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.29

LOB

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.72

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$391.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$29.04B10/10

Generating 29.0B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.858/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

LOB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
38.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.8%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
26.5%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

BAC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.431/10

Elevated debt levels

LOB2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.75B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.722/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAC

The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 38.3%. Revenue growth of 16.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LOB

The strongest argument for LOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.5% and operating margin at 38.8%. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BAC

The primary concerns for BAC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.43 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : LOB

The primary concerns for LOB are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BAC profiles as a growth stock while LOB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.87 — expect wider price swings.

BAC is growing revenue faster at 16.8% — sustainability is the question.

BAC generates stronger free cash flow (29.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (84/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 16.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Bank of America Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Bank of America Corporation is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in San Francisco, Bank of America was formed through NationsBank's acquisition of BankAmerica in 1998. It is the second largest banking institution in the United States, after JPMorgan Chase, and the eighth largest bank in the world. Bank of America is one of the Big Four banking institutions of the United States. It services approximately 10 percent of all American bank deposits, in direct competition with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. Its primary financial services revolve around commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.

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Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Live Oak Banking Company offering a variety of commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses and professionals in North Carolina, United States. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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